By Jonathan Zweygardt
Hays Post
The short-handed TMP-Marian Monarchs hung tough for three quarters Friday night but saw their longtime rival Russell pull away for a 26-6 victory at Shaffer Field in Russell.
The two teams opened the game playing to a scoreless draw through the first quarter of action.
Russell (3-2, 3-1 MCL, 1-1 2A D-8) broke on to the scoreboard first, scoring on a three-yard touchdown run by Brayden Suchy capping off a 15—play 69-yard driver for a 6-0 lead with just over 11 minutes left in the second quarter.
With the Monarchs (3-2, 3-1 MCL, 0-1 2A D-8) offense struggling early, the defense provided the Monarchs only touchdown early in the second quarter when Austin Gilbert hauled in his first career interception and returned it for a 1-yard touchdown tying the game at six.
The Monarchs forced Russell into five turnovers, four of them were interceptions.
After the game was tied at six at halftime, Russell’s first drive of the second half stalled and then a punt pinned TMP deep in the shadow of their own endzone.
On TMP’s next punt Russell broke through for a punt block and returned the ball for an eight-yard touchdown putting Russell up 12-6 midway through the third quarter.
Russell scored two more fourth quarter touchdowns while the Broncos held TMP’s offense in check and Russell earned their third straight victory over TMP 26-6.
Russell outgained TMP 280 to 104. With the Monarchs finishing with 74 yards on the ground. Peyton Schumacher finished with 42 rushing and 30 passing yards with two interceptions.
Russell’s Mason threw for 114 yards and rushed for another 108 yards.
The Monarchs were without their leading rusher and two starting offensive linemen Friday night.
TMP hosts Phillipsburg next Friday night while Russell travels to Ellsworth.